Have you ever wondered what lies beyond the pages of a closed book? Imagine being able to see the words on the pages without ever opening the cover. This is the exciting concept behind the technology developed by a group at MIT. Using terahertz waves, they can now read through closed books and uncover the hidden information inside. To do this, they had to overcome a series of challenges including the need for a radiation source that can penetrate the paper, the ability to distinguish between different pages, and the recognition of characters that are partially hidden. Learning about these academic concepts not only expands your knowledge of science and technology but also opens up new possibilities for studying antique documents and other important materials. Take the first step towards exploring the unseen world and discover the thrill of uncovering hidden information.

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, but few of us know the history behind this versatile material. The first plastic was created in 1863 by an American named John Wesley Hyatt, who invented celluloid, made from cellulose found in wood and straw. This discovery led to a cascade of new plastics, including bakelite, polystyrene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylics, and nylon. Plastics have replaced other materials like wood, glass, and fabric in furniture, clothing, and packaging. While plastics have brought convenience and cost-effectiveness, they have also created staggering environmental problems. Many plastics are made of nonrenewable resources, and plastic packaging was designed to be single-use, but some plastics take centuries to decompose, creating a huge buildup of waste. By learning about plastics, students can understand how science and innovation have shaped our world, and they can explore ways to address the environmental problems associated with plastic use.

The future of resource extraction lies in space exploration. Asteroids, leftovers from the formation of the planet 4.5 billion years ago, contain rare and precious materials such as platinum, iron, and nickel. The mining industry on Earth is harmful to the environment and people, but space mining could provide a clean and sustainable alternative. Cheaper space travel is necessary to make asteroid mining profitable, and scientists and economists are working on solutions such as electric spaceships. Once a stable asteroid is secured, space mining and processing equipment can extract valuable materials through a process that uses giant mirrors to focus sunlight and heat up asteroid rock. Even a small percentage of a single asteroid's mass in precious metals could be worth billions of dollars. The benefits of space exploration and asteroid mining are vast, and the possibilities for discovery and innovation are endless.

Are you fascinated by cars and how they work? Do you dream of designing the next generation of vehicles that will take the world by storm? If so, then Automotive Engineering might be the perfect field of study for you! Automotive Engineering is an exciting and dynamic field that combines elements of mechanical, electrical, and materials engineering to create the vehicles of tomorrow. From designing engines and transmissions to improving fuel efficiency and safety features, Automotive Engineering covers a wide range of fascinating topics that will keep you engaged and inspired throughout your studies. One of the most interesting aspects of Automotive Engineering is the constant innovation and research that is taking place in the field. From developing new materials that are stronger and more lightweight to improving hybrid and electric vehicle technology, there is always something new and exciting happening in the world of Automotive Engineering. Some of the most well-known figures in the field include Ferdinand Porsche, who designed the iconic Porsche 911, and Elon Musk, who is leading the charge in developing electric and autonomous vehicles through his company Tesla. At the undergraduate level, students can expect to study a range of modules that cover topics such as vehicle dynamics, engine design, and materials science. There are also opportunities for further specialisation in areas such as aerodynamics, alternative fuels, and vehicle safety. After graduation, there are a wide range of potential career paths available to Automotive Engineering graduates, including roles in vehicle design, research and development, and manufacturing. Some of the most notable employers in the field include Ford, General Motors, and BMW, as well as government agencies such as NASA and the Department of Defense. To succeed in Automotive Engineering, students should have a strong foundation in math, physics, and chemistry, as well as an interest in mechanical and electrical systems. They should also possess strong problem-solving skills and be able to work well in a team environment. So if you're ready to take your love of cars to the next level, consider studying Automotive Engineering and be a part of shaping the future of transportation!

"Rocks are becoming rocks again!" says chemist Peter Psarras from the Clean Energy Conversions Lab (CECL) at the University of Pennsylvania. Psarras and his team are turning waste from industrial mines into magnesium carbonate through a carbon-neutral and inexpensive process, with the goal of storing CO2. With five partner mines, the CECL lab, funded by the Kleinman Center for Energy Policy and the School of Engineering and Applied Science, is exploring the environmental potential of mine tailings and determining the scalability of the carbonation process. Join Psarras and the CECL in their mission to tap into the "moved mountain" of waste and be inspired by their cutting-edge technology.

Are you interested in using your creativity and problem-solving skills to make a positive impact on the world? Then a career in chemical engineering might be right up your alley! Chemical engineering is a field that combines knowledge of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to design and develop new products and processes. As a chemical engineer, you could work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food and beverage, and more. For example, you might work on developing new medicines to treat diseases, or on designing more efficient and sustainable ways to produce energy. One exciting aspect of chemical engineering is the potential for innovation and discovery. For example, chemical engineers have been instrumental in developing new materials like graphene, which has the potential to revolutionize industries from electronics to transportation. In terms of day-to-day duties, chemical engineers might be involved in everything from designing experiments and analyzing data to overseeing production processes and troubleshooting problems that arise. There are also many areas of specialization within the field, such as materials science, process design, and environmental engineering. To become a chemical engineer, you'll typically need to earn a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Some popular undergraduate programs include the chemical engineering programs at MIT, UC Berkeley, and the University of Texas at Austin. In addition to technical knowledge, there are a few personal attributes that can be helpful in a career in chemical engineering. These include strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively. As for job prospects, chemical engineering is a field with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. Some notable employers include companies like Procter & Gamble, ExxonMobil, and DuPont, as well as government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy. In conclusion, if you're interested in using your scientific knowledge to make a difference in the world, a career in chemical engineering might be the perfect fit for you. With plenty of opportunities for innovation and growth, this field offers the chance to make a real impact on society and the environment. So why not explore this exciting career path today?

Teflon, a material that doesn't stick to anything, was stumbled upon accidentally in 1938 by a chemist named Roy Plunkett. Teflon's properties make it perfect for things that need to be slippery, chemical-resistant, or waterproof, which means it has a lot of applications. It can be found all over the place, from raincoats to industrial ball bearings to artificial joints. The incredible properties of PTFE, the chemical name for Teflon, come from its molecular structure. It's a polymer, meaning it's made of long chains of repeating units of atoms strung together. PTFE has tight carbon-fluorine bonds that ignore the normal, intermolecular forces that help substances stick to each other. Even the famously adhesive feet of geckos usually can't get a grip on it. Learning about the properties of materials like Teflon can inspire independent exploration of science and engineering, which can lead to exciting career opportunities in fields like materials science and chemical engineering.

Glass is a material that we use every day, but have you ever wondered how it works? Glass is made from silicon dioxide, which is heated until it becomes a flowing liquid. As it cools, the molecules lose energy and become an amorphous solid, allowing light to pass through without being scattered. The subatomic level of glass is what makes it transparent, as the electrons in glass are spaced far enough apart that visible light can't provide enough energy for them to jump between them. This unique property has made glass an essential material for many uses, from windows to lenses. Understanding the science behind glass can help you appreciate the importance of this material in modern civilization.

Can we develop a mechanical method to detect explosives as effectively as bomb-sniffing dogs? Researchers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory are using a mass spectrometer to measure explosive vapors and understand the requirements for creating an operational explosive detection system that could work in tandem with the canine fleet to improve current airport security systems. The team's research is supported by the Department of Homeland Security's Detection Canine Program and the Next-Generation Explosives Trace Detection program. This innovative research could lead to a faster and more streamlined passenger experience and support the development of technology that remains resilient against evolving security threats

This story of Harry Coover, a chemist during World War II, highlights the importance of persistence and creative thinking in academic pursuits. Coover and his team encountered challenges in their research, but instead of giving up, they looked for alternative uses for the materials they were working with. This led to the creation of super glue, which has saved countless lives in medical settings. This story shows that academic curiosity and perseverance can lead to unexpected discoveries with practical applications. By exploring academic topics through reading, reflection, and self-directed projects, students can develop the skills needed to tackle complex problems and make meaningful contributions to society.

Shine a laser on a drop of blood or wastewater and identify bacteria present in minutes. Stanford researchers have developed a new test that uses an innovative method, combining inkjet printing, nanoparticles, and artificial intelligence to reveal unique optical fingerprints of bacteria, leading to faster and more accurate microbial assays. The breakthrough promises better diagnoses of infection, improved use of antibiotics, safer foods, enhanced environmental monitoring, and faster drug development.

Are you interested in exploring the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on our daily lives? Look no further than Stanford University's latest research on energy-efficient memory storage for AI training. In a recent breakthrough, researchers at Stanford found a material that could revolutionize the way we store data using electron spin directions, resulting in faster and more efficient processing. This new memory storage method, known as spin orbit torque magnetoresistive random access memory (SOT-MRAM), could enable AI training on devices like your phone or smartwatch. Check out the full article in Nature Materials to learn more!

Batteries are a crucial part of our modern lives, powering everything from our smartphones to our cars. But the production and disposal of batteries have significant environmental impacts, from toxic chemicals and heavy metals to greenhouse gas emissions. Fortunately, there are sustainable options and alternatives to batteries that can help mitigate these negative effects. One such option is kinetic energy, which converts motion into electricity. For example, the piezoelectric effect harnesses energy from pressure, while the triboelectric effect converts friction into electricity. Another alternative to batteries is supercapacitors, which store energy in an electric field rather than a chemical reaction. They charge and discharge quickly and have a longer lifespan than traditional batteries. These sustainable options and alternatives to batteries are being researched and developed by leading academics in the field of materials science and engineering. Dr. Jennifer Lewis, a professor of biologically inspired engineering at Harvard University, is leading a team that is working on creating 3D-printed energy storage devices using a hydrogel-based ink. Meanwhile, Dr. Yi Cui at Stanford University is researching how to improve the energy density and safety of solid-state batteries. By exploring academic topics like materials science and engineering, students can learn about the properties of different materials and how they can be manipulated to create sustainable technologies. You can also learn about the environmental impact of technology and how sustainable alternatives can mitigate these effects. In conclusion, sustainable alternatives to batteries offer exciting opportunities for innovation and environmental sustainability. By exploring academic topics related to these technologies, high school students can gain a deeper understanding of the scientific principles behind sustainable energy and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Discover the fascinating story of how a broken soda fountain led to the creation of ICEE, the science behind its slushy texture, and the complex chemistry of its flavor syrup. Explore the avalanche-like physics of how ICEE solidifies and the Joules-Thomson effect that makes it puff up. Learn about the inventor, Omar Knedlik, and how his entrepreneurial spirit led to the mass production of his invention, eventually renamed Slurpee by 7-Eleven.

The world's shift towards electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will require a huge demand for critical metals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and platinum. This demand will have economic and supply-chain consequences, according to new research from Cornell University. Discover how countries can manage this demand and promote a circular economy for critical metals.

The Inca's discovery of naturally occurring titanium dioxide and silica in a rare mineral deposit revolutionized the history of color, leading to the use of the brilliant white pigment in their ceremonial cups, centuries before its invention in the West. Explore the story of the Giacomo Deposit and the Inca's chromatic revolution.

3D movies have made a big comeback in recent years, creating an immersive experience for audiences. This is achieved through the use of two slightly offset images, which are then combined by the brain to create a three-dimensional picture. The use of polarization instead of color separation is a more recent approach to making 3D movies, and this technique involves wearing glasses with polarizing lenses. By learning about the science behind 3D movies, you can gain a better understanding of how they are created and appreciate the technology behind them. This can help you to develop your critical thinking skills and broaden your knowledge of the world around you. So, the next time you watch a big-budget Hollywood blockbuster, you'll know a little bit more about the magic of 3D.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa, one of Italy's most iconic structures, has been saved from a date with gravity through decades of interventions. The latest survey shows the tower's health to be much better than forecasted, having crept upright by 4 centimeters in 21 years since stabilisation works were done.

Researchers have powered a microprocessor for a year using blue-green algae and ambient light! This system, comparable in size to an AA battery, has the potential to be a reliable and renewable way to power small devices. The growing Internet of Things needs power, and this system generates energy instead of simply storing it like batteries. The algae system is made of common and recyclable materials, making it easily replicable.

Fiber optics is a revolutionary technology that has transformed long-distance communication. Unlike traditional copper wires, fiber optic cables carry pulses of light, which represent digital data. These cables can transmit an enormous amount of information over great distances, with minimal power loss. Fiber optics has enabled the creation of the internet, which has become a planetary computer connecting people across the globe. However, the vast majority of internet traffic is processed in data centers, where electrical cables waste half their running power as heat. To address this problem, researchers have developed integrated photonics, a technology that uses ultrathin silicon wires to guide light. This allows for the creation of tiny photonic chips that plug into servers and convert electrical signals to optical and back, enabling power-efficient fiber connections. Integrated photonics also has the potential to break open wireless bandwidth limitations and make hyperfast wireless connectivity a reality. By learning about fiber optics and integrated photonics, students can gain a deeper understanding of the technology that powers the internet and the potential for future innovation.